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Youngest Delegate
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He may not have his driver’s permit yet, but United Methodist Ryan Bostdorf of Central Pennsylvania is old enough to help shape the future of the country’s third largest Christian denomination. Kim Riemland introduces us to the youngest delegate at the church’s international meeting in Pittsburgh. |
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SCRIPT:
Technically, Ryan Bostdorf is skipping school.
Ryan Bostdorf (nat sound): “…making sure that it is constitutional because everyone has a right to a trial.”
But he’s doing so with permission from his parents and teachers because he’s getting an education he simply couldn’t get in class.
Nat Sound: “Those who would concur, please raise their hand. Very well, it is unanimous.”
At 14, Ryan is the youngest United Methodist delegate to the denomination’s two-week long General Conference in Pittsburgh. He is one of nearly 1,000 from around the country, and the world, elected to help shape the laws and policies of the Church.
Ryan Bostdorf: “I thought by me coming to General Conference it would be a statement saying that youth want to be involved and want to be able to make decisions and not just sit back and let the adults make everything.”
Nat Sound: “Are you with me? They are proposing “B” be deleted.”
He’s not just sitting back. He’s spending long hours in committee meetings, wrestling with the wording of proposals and petitions. He’s casting his decisions about how money should be spent and faith lived out.
Ryan Bostdorf: “I love sitting there and thinking that I have power to do things for my church. I love being here, just love being around all the adults, and I love how everyone from around the world can come together and just be one body and unite and make great decisions that they’re going to.”
For those who think today’s youth are apathetic and out of touch, the 14-year-old who is skipping school might have a thing or two to teach them.
TAG:
Ryan may be missing school, but after the long days at the General Conference, he says he goes back to his hotel room and tackles piles of homework.